Daily Archives: September 8, 2014

In summary, it requires a difficult 4000 ft ascent to reach the top. You have to leave early to make it there before the afternoon clouds roll in. It is well worth it. The views from the top were spectacular.

Our trip started with meeting our local guide, Mingo, at the entrance to Corazon Maya School (where we live) at 5:30 am. It actually wasn’t much of a problem getting up since I had woken at 4:30 the last couple of mornings. Those who know me well know that I’m not an early bird ever.

We took a tuk tuk to the entrance of the park. Tuk tuks are three wheeled motorcycle engine powered tiny taxis that are the easiest was to get around in San Pedro. Whatever you do, if you come here, don’t hire a rental car. If you can find a parking space, your car will just sit there.

The entrance is not much to speak of.

There are a few informative placards, but otherwise just a place to disembark and go to the bathroom before heading up the trail.

Jon and Mingo

It was only just getting light when we started up the trail. We passed through numerous corn fields and coffee plants. They won’t be ready for harvest until our winter, Guatemala’s dry season. They views were pretty fantastic.

It was a very long walk up. It was about 3.5 miles to reach the top, but we climbed about 4000 feet to get there. We stopped at a viewing platform at about 1.5 miles into the hike.

The conditions of the trail varied significantly. I’m glad it hadn’t rained the day before.

The views were great when we could see out beyond the trees and corn.

We were passed by a few hikers with guides. By the time we got to the top, there were a couple of other groups up there. The views were truly spectacular.

I was feeling a little sick. The heat and humidity combined with the climb meant I drank a lot of water. I attempted to take electrolyte tablets, but didn’t keep up with the amount of water consumed. I ate a little banana bread (the locals sell it in town) and a few other snacks. I rested and watched the scenery. After a bit I was doing well again. About that time, the clouds started to come in.

I was a little worried about the climb down. One thing I’ve learned is that going down a steep climb can be as tiring and slow as going up. We made it down without any problems. I drank a lot less water on the way back to keep from making the same mistake again. We took another tuk tuk from the park’s entrance to get us back to the Corazon Maya school.

The biggest problem when we got back was trying to decide what to do first: bathe in the lake or go back out to get some lunch. Getting clean won out after a few snacks at our bungalow.